Exploring Lake Grassmere
Located at the southeast end of Clifford Bay, near the head of the Awatere Valley in eastern Marlborough, Lake Grassmere is a notable stop on State Highway 1. It is best known for its salt extraction facility on the lake's western side, but it is also very photogenic.
Viewing the Salt Ponds
To get the best views of Lake Grassmere and its salt facility, drive along State Highway 1 and turn onto Kaparu Road. Here, you can see the ponds filled with seawater. As the water evaporates, salt is left behind, creating an interesting landscape. The appearance and colour of the ponds change with the stages of the evaporation process, further affected by the time of day and light conditions. Every time you stop, you will get a unique perspective.
Scenic Drive to Marfells Beach
After exploring the salt ponds, continue your journey by taking Marfells Beach Road around the southern side of the lake to Marfells Beach. This route provides a scenic drive with expansive views of the hills and mountains to the southwest of Clifford Bay. For a panoramic vista, you can stop after the road curves northward but before reaching the beach.
How to Get There
To reach Lake Grassmere from Blenheim, head east along State Highway 1 towards the Awatere Valley. You will spot Lake Grassmere before you reach the turnoff for Kaparu Road. The drive from Blenheim is 38 km and takes 35 minutes.
Other nearby coastal options include Waiau Lagoons, Mussel Point, Cape Campbell and Ward Beach.
